Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) boasts another success, in which the Technology Transfer Office at STU played an important role.
The University was granted a patent for a new technology and its application: additive to improve the cetane number in diesel and bio-diesel fuels. This technology is based on the use of glycerol mono- and diesters nitrates containing the isomers of glycerol dialkyl ester mononitrate and/or isomers of glycerol monoalkyl ester dinitrate with between 1 and 20 carbons in the ester alkyl group and their addition in concentrations between 1 and 5,000 mg/kg to the total fuel amount. The additive is added either directly or diluted in fatty acids alkyl esters having from 1 to 20 carbons in the acid and/or alcohol relevant group contained in the esters.
This technology was developed by prof. Pavol Daučík and assoc. prof. Elena Hájeková. The patent for the technology was filed on 31st May 2013 and in was granted on 3rd September 2015. This technology helps to improve the quality fuels in an environmentally-friendly way.

What is a cetane number?
It is a measure of the ignition quality of diesel fuels. It tells us about the quality of diesel fuel, the impact on starting the engine or its heating. The scientific team has developed technology that can increase the cetane number and thereby achieve an increase in quality. The additives are products of plant origin. This new technology offers a green and cost effective solution which helps to improve engine performance while reducing the emission rate. The additive has positive effects on the performance and running of engines - easier starting, heating, better quality of ignition, improved cold-starting properties, more complete combustion of fuel. Another noticeable factor is that the additives do not have negative impact on the environment as they contain organic ingredients. Therefore, the use of these additives can help to secure the limit required by the EU directive on the use of energy from renewable sources. This is due to the fact that glycerol (product from renewable resources, by-product of the production of diesel bio-elements for motor engines) may be used in the production process.
Cooperation of the inventors with the Technology Transfer Office at STU and at the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information contributed to the successful patent application. Both centres provided technical assistance and support services in the process of obtaining a national patent. Filing an international patent application (PCT) has been the next step.